Flint's Mark Ingram to make NFL regular-season debut in prime time against Green Bay

View full sizeFileFlint Southwestern grad Mark Ingram is expected to be one of the NFL's top rookies this season. He was recently named co-favorite to win Rookie of the Year honors, along with Carolina Panthers quarterback, former Auburn star Cam Newton.

FLINT, Michigan — Flint’s Mark Ingram will get a feel for a premier NFL matchup Thursday when the New Orleans Saints battle the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. The game also is surrounded by a little intrigue, something NFL stat junkies could appreciate.

One of the opening-week’s games to watch, both NFC heavyweights are recent Super Bowl winners (Green Bay XLV; New Orleans XLIV) and both are expected to compete for a division title.

Thursday marks the second time since 2000 the two most recent Super Bowl winners collide in Week 1. That year, the St. Louis Rams hosted the Denver Broncos. Last year, the Pittsburgh Steelers met New Orleans in Week 1.

And for only the fourth time in franchise history, the Saints make the trek to Green Bay. When it comes to recent success, Thursday’s stage is set to feature the NFC’s two top teams since 2006, gauged by winning percentage. Green Bay is 53-34 (.609), while the Saints are 53-33 (.616).

ESPN polled 12 of its experts, and six picked the Saints to win the NFC South. All 12 picked the Packers to win the North.

Ingram, a running back, recently missed preseason practices due to a bothersome left knee — the same knee he had surgery on last summer prior to his junior year at the University of Alabama. The Flint Southwestern grad had three rushing touchdowns in the preseason, including a 14-yard touchdown run in New Orleans’ 24-3 preseason win over San Francisco.

• Jake Long is scheduled to make his much-anticipated return Sept. 12, as his Miami Dolphins host the New England Patriots. The Lapeer East grad and former All-American at the University of Michigan missed all of the preseason due to knee problems.However, Long was optimistic when recently asked about his progress.

“It’s coming along good and the more I practice the better I’ll feel,” Long told the Florida Sun-Sentinel. “I’ll knock (the rust) off and be good to go.”

Long is a three-time Pro Bowler who is considered one of the elite left tackles in the NFL. Miami drafted Long with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2008 draft. According to ESPN analysts, the Dolphins have no shot at winning the AFC East — most picked New England — let alone earning a Wild Card berth.

• Sunday, Brandon Carr and the Kansas City Chiefs host the Buffalo Bills. Carr, a Carman-Ainsworth grad and former Grand Valley State standout, is considered one of the best young corners in the league. Carr had a career-high 25 pass breakups last season for the Chiefs, who won the AFC West. But, according to ESPN analysts, the Chiefs won’t defend their title. Of the 12 analysts polled, each picked the San Diego Chargers to win the division.

• A playoff appearance isn’t in the forecast for Dan Skuta’s Cincinnati Bengals this season, according to the NFL pundits. But that doesn’t mean Skuta, a Carman-Ainsworth grad and former Grand Valley State standout, won’t build on what was a solid season a year ago. Skuta posted a career-high 16 tackles and two forced fumbles in his small, but increased, role with the Bengals last year. As a rookie, Skuta was typically utilized on special teams. Now entering his third season, Skuta could see more snaps in 2011.

• Beecher grad and former Saginaw Valley State standout Robert Callway was cut by the Detroit Lions last week. Callaway signed with the Lions in 2010. According to reports, he had a solid preseason, but the Lions’ depth on the defensive line prevented him from making the 53-man roster. Northern grad and former Northwood University star Chris Wilson was let go by the Philadelphia Eagles. He spent four seasons with the Washington Redskins as a linebacker and defensive end before signing with the Eagles this summer.